Palace of Whitehall Tours

The Palace of Whitehall was the main palace of residence for English Monarchs during the Tudor period. At the time, it was the largest palace in Europe with 23 acres and 1,500 rooms, overtaking the Vatican in size.

Unfortunately, most of the palace burned in a fire in 1622. All that remain today are the Banqueting House, a tower, and some tennis courts from King Henry VIII’s time.

The Tudors at the Palace of Whitehall

King Henry VIII

King Henry added several recreational facilities to the palace, including tennis courts, a bowling green, and space for jousting and cockfighting. Henry also married two of his wives at the palace: Anne Boleyn in 1533 and Jane Seymour in 1536. He also died in this palace in 1547.